Skip to content

James Benston Appointed WSA President of Region APAC

1 Sep 2025

Press release

Lynge, Denmark – September 1, 2025 – WSA, a leading pure-play hearing healthcare group, announced today that James Benston has been promoted to president of the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, effective October 1, 2025. He will also join the company’s Executive Committee on that date.

Benston will succeed Olivier Chupin, who has decided to leave the company after four successful years to pursue a career outside of WSA.

Jan Makela, CEO in WSA, said:

I’m thrilled to welcome James Benston to the Executive Committee and as the new President of the APAC region. He is an experienced and strong leader with a unique understanding of the hearing aid industry and its people. He began his career at WSA nearly three decades ago as a technician building hearing aids in the Brisbane office. Since then, he has steadily advanced through the ranks and most recently led our successful Australian and New Zealand markets.

Regarding Olivier Chupin, Jan Makela said:

“On behalf of the team, I would like to thank Olivier for his outstanding work at WSA. His leadership and dedication have had a lasting impact on the region. We wish him much success in his next endeavor.”

 About WSA

WSA is a leading global pure-play hearing healthcare group, pioneering innovative technologies for over 140 years, helping millions of people with hearing loss regain the joy of hearing, engage in meaningful conversations, and participate fully in society. WSA operates in over 130 markets and employs more than 12,500 people across our hearing aid portfolio, which includes Widex and Signia, and a global network of hearing care professionals and consumer-facing businesses. WSA is privately owned by the Tøpholm and Westermann families, the Lundbeck Foundation, EQT and ATHOS KG. As a global leader, our ambition is to unlock human potential by making wonderful sound part of everyone’s life. Learn more at www.wsa.com